Lot #6: Late 1800’s ladies sewing or nursing rocking chair with rush seat

This small pine rocking chair is a ladies sewing rocker and is sometimes called a nursing rocker.  The chair is larger than a child-size but smaller than a full size rocker.  The chair, by design, has no arms.  The lack of arms allowed the lady of the house to easily nurse an infant or sew a button onto a shirt while she rocked.  

The chairs  aesthetic is defined by (1) its low height (the seat is 12.5 off the ground), (2) its high ladder backrest with three horizontal slats - that have a gentile hill shape with a rounded top, (3) its rush seats with expert weaving,  and (4) its clean, simple, functional design (reminiscent of the Shaker style).  

Youll also note that the rockers (or runner at the bottom of the chair) are short (17). The short runner and lack of arms means the person sitting in the chair to use their legs to control the speed and length of the rocking motion.  

The chair was constructed by hand and the wooden pegs used to connect the horizontal slats to the ladder back are visible. 

Finally, the chair is very sturdy and comfortable and can easily accommodate a person weighing up to 125 pounds.

The chair iwill be located on the first floor of the home (near an exterior door) and weighs approximately 10 lbs.

Age:  Late 1800s (~150 years old)

Condition: In good vintage condition.  Wear consistent with age and use

Material:  Pine and mixture of other woods - possible ash, rush

Origin:  USA most likely New England

Dimensions: 

• Chair Height: 34.5

• Chair Width: 18.5

• Chair Depth: 17

• Seat Width: 18.25

• Seat Height. 12.5

Condition: Good vintage condition
Measurements: 34.5 (H) x 18.5 (W) x 17 (D)